Definition: (noun) A minor inadvertent mistake usually observed in speech or writing or in small accidents or memory lapses etc.
Synonyms: parapraxis, slip-up.
Usage: Any politician’s career will feature a miscue or two, but our buffoonish mayor makes public gaffes on an almost weekly basis.
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Source: The Free Dictionary
Pictured on the US $10 bill, Hamilton was an American Founding Father and the first secretary of the treasury. Differences between Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson led to the rise of political parties, with Hamilton heading the Federalist Party and Madison and Jefferson leading the Democratic-Republican Party. In 1804, Aaron Burr challenged Hamilton to a duel, and though Hamilton opposed the practice and had even lost a son in a duel, he agreed and was mortally wounded. Why did Burr challenge him? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
A scotoma is a blind spot or area of depressed vision in the visual field, surrounded by an area of relatively normal vision. There are many types of scotomata, including central scotoma, an area of depressed vision involving the point of fixation and interfering with central vision; peripheral scotoma, an area of depressed vision toward the periphery of the visual field; and scintillating scotoma, an area of diminished vision edged by colored lights. Scintillating scotomata often precede what? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) Wealth as evidenced by sumptuous living.
Synonyms: luxuriousness, sumptuousness.
Usage: The estate had formerly belonged to a gentleman of opulence and taste, who had bestowed some considerable attention to the adornment of his grounds.
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Source: The Free Dictionary
Officially recognized as a saint in 1899, Bede (673?-735) was an English Benedictine monk who, from the age of seven, lived in monasteries and became probably the most learned man in Western Europe in his day. His writings, virtually a summary of the learning of his time, consist of theological, historical, and scientific treatises. He consulted many documents, discussed their reliability, and cited them as sources—highly unusual practices at the time. What dating method did he help popularize? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) The choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience.
Synonyms: essence, heart and soul, inwardness, gist, pith, substance, meat, nub, kernel, sum, core, marrow, center.
Usage: While I will devote some time to Thomas Edison’s personal life, his many inventions will compose the nitty-gritty of my presentation.
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Source: The Free Dictionary
The fedora is a soft, medium-brimmed, felt hat with a creased crown and, usually, a band. It is often associated with film noir private detectives and Prohibition-era Mafiosos, and it tops off most zoot suits. Considered an essential piece of menswear in the US in the 1940s and 50s, the fedora fell out of fashion in the early 60s, when thinner lapels and ties called for shorter-brimmed hats, and when, according to one theory, American men saw what public figure without one? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (adjective) Conforming to standards of conduct and good taste; suitable.
Synonyms: becoming, comely, comme il faut, decent, decorous.
Usage: Her friends think it is not seemly for her to be dating a man half her age, but she only cares that he makes her happy.
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Source: The Free Dictionary
Pugachev was a Russian peasant leader and head of the peasant rebellion of 1773 to 1774. A Don Cossack, he exploited a widespread peasant belief that Peter III had not actually been murdered. Claiming to be Peter III, he soon found himself at the head of an army and of a revolutionary movement. His army won early victories and threatened the throne of Catherine II, but Pugachev was betrayed, taken to Moscow, and beheaded. What actions did Catherine take in the aftermath of the rebellion? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (adjective) Close in time; about to occur.
Synonyms: imminent, at hand.
Usage: After a long and grueling career at the factory, Larry was eagerly anticipating his impendent retirement.
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Source: The Free Dictionary